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Men's Wearhouse ousts founder George Zimmer

George Zimmer, the public face of Men's Wearhouse, was fired Wednesday with no reason given by the company. Most people recognize Zimmer for the company's TV commercials and his tagline, "You're going to like the way you look. I guarantee it."

USA Today, news source 11:56 a.m. EDT June 19, 2013

Men's Wearhouse announced the dismissal of founder and executive chairman George Zimmer on Wednesday but did not give a reason.(Photo: Martin E. Klimek for USA TODAY)(Photo: WTLV)

Zimmer, the founder, chairman and the public face of the discount apparel chain, has been terminated by the company, according to a brief statement from the company.

Men's Wearhouse gave no reason for Zimmer's departure -- which surfaced on Wednesday, just hours before the company postponed its annual shareholders meeting. A company spokesman declined comment but said Zimmer's departure would not affect operations.

Since 1985, Men's Wearhouse TV ads featured the baritone-voiced Zimmer with his signature slogan: "You're going to like the way you look. I guarantee it."

The former substitute school teacher built Men's Wearhouse from a lone Houston, Tex., store into one of the nation's largest men's specialty retailers, with 1,239 stores under the Men's Wearhouse, Moores, K&G and Tux brands.

Zimmer's ouster comes less than a week after Men's Wearhouse reported a 25% gain in first-quarter earnings on a 5% sales increase. After falling about 16% in 2012, shares were up about 20% so far this year before Wednesday's announcement. Shares were down 2% in mid-morning trading.

Zimmer, 64, served as CEO from 1991 until 2011, when he was named executive chairman. According to the company's latest proxy, he holds a 3.5% stake.

Zimmer earned nearly $2 million last year in pay, bonuses and other compensation. Men's Wearhouse will owe Zimmer $250,000 annually for four years under a licensing deal for his image in advertising and marketing efforts, according to the proxy. He's also due termination pay and benefits valued at about $2.7 million.